new track

taxi · May 28, 2005

Just when you thought it was safe to venture back into 'Tracks & scenery'....!!

Well I did it - I tore up my old track and started again

I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to clear a decade's worth of junk out of the garage, and building tables, and trying different track designs.
But I've finally made a choice and started work on the track.
How much work have I just made for myself? I must be mad!!!

This is the track plan -

And a couple of pics of progress so far -

Thre's so much to do it's unreal! Not just the track but trying to tidy up too - painting walls, adding some extra lights etc etc.
But at least the track is up and running. I tried some elevation work this evening, the cars look great as they sweep downhill through the curves. But it's gentle laps only til I get some run off areas built!!
It's gonna take forever but I'm really going to enjoy this one!

cheers,

Rob

PS - a few more pics here

Brad Korando · May 29, 2005

WOW Rob! What motivated you to take down your "old" track? It was awesome. What became of your old pit building? Are you planning on using any parts of the old layout?

That being said...I'm sure your new track will be terrific too. I like the track plan. What are the overall table dimensions? It looks like it will be fun to race. I can just imagine heated duels down the straights which each of the drivers wondering just how deep the other will go into the approaching corners. The track plan should make for some realistic F1 racing (or just about any other racing for that matter).

I'm about a month or two behind you in progress. I'm in the process of putting together a list of materials for my table. I'll be following your progress with great interest.

Brad Korando

taxi · May 29, 2005

Hi Brad. I hope you're going to keep us updated with your progress - I'm looking forward to seeing that awesome pit building of yours in situ!

To try to answer your questions -
I took the old track down for two reasons. I wanted to try some elevated sections but there wasn't room, and I've got back problems so my mobility isn't so good.
My pit building is stored, waiting for me to build it a new home. I may eventually try to make a better building, but that's definitely a future project!
I've got some sections of scenery that can be re-used, but mainly I'm hoping that the bit of experience I've gained will help me do a better job this time. I'm also going to try Neo's best line idea, which looks terrific.
The table is 4.7m by 1.5m, widening to 2.2m. It's basically three 1.5m x 1.5m tables screwed together and a couple of small extensions.

The track is fun! I'm running it anti-clockwise for now - powering uphill on the long back straight, down through the sweepers, a fast blast along the pitstraight, braking for the hairpin, trying to gain some speed again through the deep S......
It's addictive!! I keep getting distracted by the need to run a few 'test' laps!!
It's a hard life, isn't it?!!

cheers,

Rob

B1RAC · May 29, 2005

I like it alot.

I can't beleive you took apart your last track thou, after so many hours work.

I can understant why thou, I had a track in my loft and had to move it to the garrage because of back problems ( and lack of space.)

I Just finished laying my grass mats today so it's coming along nicely. I went to take photos earlier, but no batteries in my camera.

Maybe tomorrow

Russell

astro · May 29, 2005

Brave man, Rob! Good luck with the new project, I am sure you will make it even better than before in every way!

tDI_Fahrer · May 30, 2005

Rob,

Incredible! Looks like a big track!

Looking forward to see your updates!

Gunther

EddScott · May 30, 2005

Its a daunting task to start a new track - well done!

Look forward to some more pics.

Skeeter · May 30, 2005

if you can get this track up to the amazing spectacle of your old one, were all in for a treat!

Fergy · May 30, 2005

Rob, I like the layout! The elevations look good. After your last one, I will be watching for updates!

taxi · Jun 5, 2005

Thanks for all the kind comments - I really appreciate the support

Progress has been kinda slow - I'm mainly trying to get borders/runoff areas built. I've used 6mm MDFand used shims to bring it up level with the track. Most of the corners are done now, but I've still got a fair bit of sanding and filling to do to get a smooth join between track and board.

I've also had a play with some paint. I want to try to make the track look wider and to play around with the best line idea. I tried some Halfords grey plastic primer spray paint and it seems to have worked well. It takes well to both the plastic track and the MDF and seems more scratch resistant than the previous emulsion/poster paint mix.

The borders are scalextric. I cut the tabs off them and hot glued them in place. They make quite a high kerb, so I'm not sure if I'll keep them there or just paint a white line. There'll be a gravel trap between the track and the wall. What d'you think?

Back to B&Q tomorrow for more MDF, hot glue sticks, ceiling tiles etc....!

cheers,

Rob

sacesta · Jun 6, 2005

Rob,
The new track is looking great! Looks like a real fun drive. I can see how you would get easily distracted

Looking forward to even more pix.
Best regards,
Steve

EddScott · Jun 6, 2005

Looks really good mate. Cheers for the track paint tips!!!

B1RAC · Jun 6, 2005

Looking good.

I still cant beleive you ripped your last one up thou!

Russell

BEEJAY7 · Jun 6, 2005

Well Done Rob, the new track looks great. With so many black cars I think it was a good choice to go to a grey track finish.

Regards

Alan

bacardibeast · Jun 6, 2005

Hey Taxi, after my quick visit to your track I find it hard to believe you have taken down your old track, but after seeing you navigate the loft ladder I can understand why. ( Believe me people, this guy has been a martyr to the course!!!)

Your old track was excellent, and if there is anything I can help you with on the new track just ask. You got alot further with a full track & scenery that I have and with a wife and kids, let alone serious back problems, I for one salute you!

God luck with the new track and I look forward ( and hope) to a vist to the new circuit. And I'm sure you'll wipe me again!

All the best mate!
David (ex-Gloucester worker. Now in Willersey and suffering serious abuse for racing slotcars!!!)

taxi · Jun 7, 2005

Dave, you know how to get here...!

cheers,

Rob

zipp · Jun 7, 2005

Rob, Cracking start

i like the layout a lot, and i am looking forward to seeing your project progress.
i have a feeling it is gonna be AWESOME!! (no pressure)!

taxi · Jun 14, 2005

Not had much time recently, but things are gradually moving in the right direction. I've got most of the track surrounds/run-offs done, and the wall along the incline. When I was putting the wall in, I had one of those ideas that I know is going to cause me more work! I'm putting a tunnel in for an access road to a car park behind the grandstands. Should look nice if it works out ok.

I've also done a bit more round the hairpin. This is my 'trying things out' area, but it's coming on nicely. I've filled the gaps between the track and the MDF surround, and it's now quite a smooth transition between track and board - the cars don't seem to notice it at all. Just needs another coat of paint.

As usual there's bigger pics here , and your comments are always welcome

cheers,

Rob

taxi · Jun 27, 2005

Work has been taking up far too much of my time recently (teaching blind and visually impaired people to use PC's - very involving and we're having to develop a lot of resources and stuff from scratch!!). And then there's the wife and kids....!!

But I've managed to sneak off to the garage occasionally, so here's what I've been up to: -

Glued a couple of Fly button mags under the track so I can run my Challenger on either lane

Detached the powerbase from the track

A bit more filling and painting

And one small section with grass, gravel trap and white lines

I'm going to have a look at the lapcounter too, to see if that can be detached from it's track piece. I think I'm going to carry on just working on one part of the track at a time, otherwise the sheer amount of work left to do gets overwhelming!!

cheers,

Rob

belles51 · Jun 28, 2005

hi rob
it looks much more challenging than the old one especially with the elevation work
good luck amigo
mark

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